4 common workout mistakes

Exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and depression, and it can increase your energy levels, help you think clearer, and even slow down the aging process. However, there are pitfalls that can hamper your workout progress.

Everyone wants to be the guy who gets through reps at lightning speed and is the first to finish an AMRAP during HIIT class. But if you’re taking shortcuts during your workout, the only person you’re cheating is yourself. Don’t believe us? Take a look at your arms: you’re probably not bulking up as fast as you could be. You also might be practicing bad form, which can easily put you at risk of injury.

If you are taking shortcuts during your workouts, don’t worry — you’re not the only one. In fact, there are a few workout mistakes that people tend to make in an attempt to get through their workout fast or with minimal effort. We asked a few trainers to tell us about the most common workout shortcuts, so you know what to avoid in the future and can start seeing some serious gains.